By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a series of events on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The day’s activities began with a thanksgiving service at the Wesley Methodist Church on Lamina Sankoh Street in Freetown, followed by a grand march-past and a formal dinner at the Sierra Leone Bank Complex in Kingtom.
The celebration, attended by key figures from the banking sector, Government officials and business leaders, reflected on RCB’s 25-year journey and its substantial contributions to Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Ekundayo Gilpin, Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, emphasized the bank’s evolution since its founding in 1999. He described RCB’s progress as a “testament to resilience, innovation and a commitment to delivering world-class banking services to the people of Sierra Leone.”
“As we celebrate 25 years, we reflect not just on our achievements but on the challenges we’ve faced and the lessons we’ve learned. From navigating global financial crises to the recent pandemic, Rokel Commercial Bank has emerged stronger, thanks to the unwavering support of our clients and stakeholders,” Dr. Gilpin remarked.
A key highlight of the evening was Dr. Gilpin’s formal appointment as Chair of the African Leadership Council – Sierra Leone Chapter by the African Leadership Organization UK. Samuel Elaikwu, a senior representative of the organization, presented Dr. Gilpin with the official insignia and a Certificate of Listing as one of the top 40 African-Caribbean Business Leaders for 2024.
In his acceptance, Dr. Gilpin noted that this new role would enable him to promote Sierra Leone on the global business stage. He also urged his fellow countrymen to refrain from spreading negative narratives about Sierra Leone, as it could harm the country’s international reputation.
“This appointment is a victory for Sierra Leone,” Dr. Gilpin said. “It is also a testament to President Julius Maada Bio’s visionary leadership and the confidence he has placed in me to continue steering Rokel Commercial Bank towards success.”
Dr. Gilpin also assured the Bank of Sierra Leone of RCB’s readiness to integrate the national switch instant payment system, a new platform launched by the Central Bank to streamline financial transactions across the country.
Throughout the anniversary event, RCB’s contributions to the financial sector were showcased. The bank has been instrumental in promoting financial inclusion in Sierra Leone, with initiatives like mobile banking and increased credit access for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
RCB’s expansion into various regions of Sierra Leone has earned it a reputation for excellence in customer satisfaction, digital banking and corporate social responsibility. At the event, the bank also launched its “Next 25 Initiative,” a strategic plan designed to position RCB as the leading institution in digital banking innovation and inclusive financial services in the country.
Hon. Patricia Laverley, Deputy Minister of Finance, praised RCB for its role in Sierra Leone’s economic development. “RCB has not only been a financial institution but a true partner in our national growth. Their support for SMEs and the agricultural sector has helped create jobs and build wealth for many Sierra Leoneans,” she noted.
The celebration ended with a cocktail reception, live entertainment and the ceremonial cutting of an anniversary cake. RCB employees, customers and partners were recognized for their contributions to the bank’s success, while long-serving staff members were honored for their dedication and service.
As Rokel Commercial Bank enters its next phase, it remains committed to its mission of fostering economic development and financial empowerment for all Sierra Leoneans.
